Navami marks the conclusion of the Navratri festival. During the celebrations the Goddess are worshipped and Sooji Ka Halwa (Semolina Porridge) is prepared.
Ram Navami marks the ninth day of the Navratri celebrations. Also, it marks the final day of the festival followed by Vijayadashami tomorrow. The eighth day of Navratri is known as Durga Ashtami and the ninth day is known as Ram Navami. The entire country celebrates both the days with great fervor. It is indeed an auspicious day for the people who keep the Navratri fast and then break it with Bhog(Offering. Ram Navami Traditional Bhog is Sooji Ka Halwa or Semolina Pudding. It is offered to the goddess along with black gram and fried Flour Flat Breads.
The bhog is offered to the Goddess and served to the Kanjaks(young girls). They are believed to be the forms of the Goddess Durga. In the article we share with you the basic Sooji Ka Halwa recipe. This can vary according to people’s liking of dry fruits and quantity of sugar.
Basic Sooji Ka Halwa recipe
Although the ingredients can vary according to choose, but the four main ingredients are Semolina, Ghee, Sugar and Water. Also, cardamom and dry fruits are added according to an individual’s preference. As a general rule, the ratio of Sooji to Sugar to Water to Ghee is 1:1:2:0.5 in a cup or glass measurement. For individuals who are health conscious, they can vary the amounts of ghee and sugar.
*Main Ingredients
Ingredients for making halwa
- Semolina-1 Cup
- Sugar-2/3 or 3/4 Cup
- Ghee-2/3 Cup
- Water-2 Cup (Ratio of Semolina or Sooji and Water is mostly 1:2)
These are the main ingredients of the Halwa. One can increase the richness or alter the ingredients as per the taste. The recipe could vary and may include Milk, Cardamom powder, Almonds, Cashews, Dry fruits, and Desi ghee as per your requirement. Here are the steps to prepare the bhog. Usually new utensils are used to prepare the prasad or the Bhog. If you don’t have, just ensure the vessel is cleaned properly. Let’s start with the preparation.
*Although main ingredients are these four, people do add milk and dry fruits too.
Procedure
Step 1- Heat the Ghee in a pan and fry the Sooji until it turns light brown. While frying it, ensure that it does not burn.
Step 2- Boil Water and Sugar on the side and heat it till the time the sugar dissolves. You can add Cardamom or Saffron for flavour if you like.
Step 3-Add the sugar syrup into the hot Sooji mixing it vigorously to avoid the formation of lumps.
Step 4-Lower the flame and cook it till the Halwa thickens. Keep stirring.
Step 5-Turn Off the gas. The Halwa is ready.
India is a country of Festivals and October this year has two of the major festivals. Dusshera and Diwali are coming this month. These two festivals are celebrated with great pomp and show in the country. We wish you and family a great festive season.
Also read: Delicious Vegan Indian Delicacies: From Flatbreads To Curries